The track at dawn gives you a view of the first rays of the sun creeping over the Southern Alps, including over New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

The track leads through the sacred Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngāi Tahu iwi, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track leads out to the Hooker Lake.

White Horse Hill carpark to first lookout and first swing bridge

Distance from White Horse Hill carpark to lookout: 1 km (about 15 minutes walking time one way.)

The first 700 m of the track passes close to the Alpine Memorial (a great viewpoint) and Freda’s Rock before coming to the viewing point of the Mueller Lake lookout and the first swing bridge.

The track surface to the first lookout is a firm clay/gravel surface with easy grades. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Beyond the first lookout there are several sections of steps which make wheelchair/buggy access difficult.

First swing bridge to second swing bridge

Distance from White Horse Hill carpark to second swing bridge: 2.5 km (about 45 minutes walking time one way.)

From the first of three swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. You may be able to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below.

After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps to the second swing bridge.

During red weather warnings or when intense rainfall or high winds are forecast, the Hooker Valley Track will close at the gate at the first swing bridge. 

Second swing bridge to third swing bridge and Hooker Lake

Distance from second swing bridge to Hooker Lake: 2.5 km (about 45 minutes walking time one way.)

The second swing bridge may be closed during winds exceeding 80 k/hr and during significant flood events. The bridge was severely damaged during a storm in 2019. There is erosion on both sides which affects its structural integrity during high winds. Engineers have determined the bridge is completely safe when not affected by strong winds and flood events.

From here the vegetation changes to more open tussock and a wider valley floor. There are public toilets located 15 minutes walk further on from the second swing bridge.

A third and final swing bridge then leads to the Hooker Lake, the source of the Hooker River. 

The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Return the same way, enjoying more views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range. 

Distance from Hooker Lake back to White Horse Hill carpark: 5 km (about 90 minutes walking time one way.)

Elevation profile

Change in elevation: 124 m

The nearest towns are Aoraki Mt Cook village (2 km), Tekapo (96 km) and Twizel (56 km).

The track starts at the White Horse Hill Campground and car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road.

Weather

The Aoraki/Mount Cook region experiences very fast changes in weather. In this alpine environment it’s common to experience strong wind, high rainfall, heavy snowfall and rapid changes in temperature at any time of the year. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park weather forecast – NIWA website.

Hooker Valley Track can become very icy in shaded areas and extremely slippery. We recommend microspikes and hiking poles for this track in winter.

Occasional track closures

During red weather warnings or when intense rainfall or high winds are forecast, the Hooker Valley Track will close at the gate at the first swing bridge. 

Heavy rain has eroded the banks of the Hooker River at the second swing bridge site, meaning the bridge may not be safe to use during bad weather. There is no alternative track into the valley and it is not safe to cross the river.

The first kilometre of track will remain open and it offers views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mueller Lake.

Do not go in the water or on the ice

Stay out of the cold water of Hooker or Tasman lakes, which is typically about 3 degrees and can quickly cause hypothermia.

Stay off the lakes when they are frozen over, as the ice can be thin and could give way at any time.  Do not climb icebergs in the lakes as these are unstable and can tip unexpectedly.

You could put your life at risk by walking on the ice. If it gave way, you could drown or develop hypothermia.

Avalanche risk

The track is designed to avoid the risk of avalanche – keep to the tracks.

Amenities

• Wheelchair accessible toilets at White Horse Hill Campground at the start.
• A public shelter with tables/seating and potable (treated) drinking water at White Horse Hill Campground. 
• Toilets at Stocking Stream halfway along the walk.
• Picnic tables just past the second swing bridge and at the Hooker Lake lookout.

What to take

Short walks gear list

How to pack for a day walk